Barcelona are not a one man team, insists Betis coach

The Andalusians' trainer says he is pleased that the Argentina star is not seriously injured and also that he is not the only threat that he will have to worry about on Sunday

Betis coach Pepe Mel believes it would be folly to suggest his side would be better off without being up against Lionel Messi as Barcelona have plenty of other stars to be aware of.

The two teams meet on Sunday with the Seville-based side in fourth place while the Catalans are at the top and are looking to make it eight consecutive away victories.

And Pepe Mel knows it will be an even tougher match after it was confirmed that Messi has recovered from the knock he picked up midweek, but the Andulasians' trainer insists he is not the only danger man.

"I would be happy if Messi starts the game. Our players are glad that the injury was not serious," Mel told a press conference.

"Obviously if he does not play then their team is weakened, but Barca are not a one man team."

The Betis head coach went on to suggest that he will not just sit back against the Spanish giants as it would go against their team philosophy.

He added: "We have always tried to match them man for man and I think that is the best tactic against them. If we did not try to do that then it would feel like we have betrayed ourselves."

Betis host Barcelona at the Estadio Benito Villamarin on Sunday at 21:00CET.